Your roof is something you likely never think about– until something goes wrong.
Even an issue as seemingly insignificant as a leak in your roof or a few broken shingles can turn into a big disaster if not fixed in time.
Identifying roofing problems quickly is important for Oregon homeowners. Especially since our wet weather makes it relatively easy for your roof to get into trouble. The sooner you can address a roofing problem, the easier it will be to control the situation, and the cheaper it will be for you to fix.
Take a look at 5 of the most common roofing problems here in Oregon and what steps you can take to prevent these issues from happening in the first place.
Moss
Moss is a common sight in Oregon’s rainy, humid weather. It’s so commonplace, in fact, that many homeowners think it’s normal for this bright green plant to grow on their roof. The truth is, leaving moss on your roof can have disastrous consequences.
Moss acts as a sponge, soaking up and storing rainwater. Eventually, this water will soak under the shingles, through the underlayment, and finally, saturate the roof sheathing. Wet sheathing can result in mold growth, decay, and cause your roof to lose its structural integrity.
Needless to say, moss is not something you want hanging around on your roof. However, removing it and keeping it from growing is not so simple. There are a few options you can choose from when deciding how to get rid of and protect your house from this pesky plant.
Brush It Off
If the moss growth on your roof isn’t too bad, you may be able to brush it off with a broom. This is something you’ll have to do on a semi-regular basis in order to keep the moss at bay–once or twice a year is probably enough. Keep in mind: doing any type of work on your roof is dangerous. Be highly aware of the risk of falling.
Install Zinc Or Copper Flashings
Flashings made of zinc or copper can be a great way to limit moss growth. As rain washes down your roof, some of the metal on these flashings will dissolve and kill off any moss.
Apply A Chemical Treatment
Using a chemical treatment to kill moss is another option. You can find these moss-killing chemicals at most home stores. Choose from liquid, granule, or a power form. The biggest downside to applying a chemical treatment to kill moss is potential groundwater contamination.
Replace Your Roof With Moss-Inhibiting Shingles
There are shingles with moss inhibitors built in. These shingles can help keep moss from overtaking your roof for up to 20 years. However, as expected, going this route might be an expensive investment.
Trees
On a stormy day, our beautiful Oregon forests and trees can be a huge pain for your roof. There are several risks associated with trees and your roof, including:
- Branches scraping against your roof shingles, stripping off protective layering.
- Leaves falling onto your roof or gutter, leading to mold, deterioration, and leaks.
- Large tree limbs falling onto your home, puncturing your roof.
If your house is situated in a heavily wooded area, or you have trees in close proximity to your house, you’ll need to do regular maintenance and inspection to ensure your home stays safe.
Trim away tree branches encroaching on your home or touching any part of it. Consider removing any trees close enough to pose a threat to your home. Finally, make sure you clear your gutters of leaves on a regular basis.
Water
Oregon homeowners are no strangers to rain. Unfortunately for older roofs, or those that haven’t been well maintained, this rainfall can cause a lot of damage. The more issues your roof already has, the more damage those especially rainy times of the year can cause.
The effects of water damage on your roof are more serious than water dripping into your house. If you have a roof leak–no matter how small–you have a problem. A leak is a sign of a much bigger issue, including the following:
Cracked Tiles
The heavier the rainfall, the more likely it is for old roof tiles to start cracking. Cracked tiles offer the perfect opportunity for water to sneak down through the roof. Also, the water running through these cracks will only continue harming the condition of those tiles. Have your roof tiles inspected frequently. Replace cracked tiles immediately to avoid serious damage.
Mold & Rot
In places where leaking water has become trapped, humidity can’t dissipate and mold or mildew growth may occur. Mold is extremely dangerous for your health and may cause respiratory distress. It’s also bad for the health of your house, as it has the potential to weaken the framework in the area of the leak.
Electrical Wiring Problems
Left unnoticed, a leak can eventually pose problems for your electrical wiring or electrical circuit board. Water than continually leaks onto electrical wires or a breaker box must be fixed immediately to avoid unsafe conditions.
Poor Ventilation
Roof and attic ventilation is vital to the longevity of your roof. Older homes in Oregon may not have the proper ventilation needed to regulate temperature and moisture levels for your roof and attic. Even newer homes can experience ventilation issues if left unchecked.
So what happens if your ventilation is having issues? Heat and moisture can build up and cause damage to rafters, shingles, and insulation. What’s more, poor ventilation can raise your energy costs and can lead to some gross mold and mildew issues.
Inspect your vents regularly to make sure they are free of dirt, leaves, or twigs. Small clumps of insulation can also block your vents, keeping air from passing through freely. Keeping your vents free from any and all obstructions is key.
A poorly vented attic can reach up to 140 degrees on a sunny day. Place a thermometer in the attic and check it regularly throughout the summer. High temperatures are a common sign of ventilation problems.
Care For Your Roof
Your roof is the most important part of your home. A quality and well-cared for roof will keep you and the investment of your home, safe. Don’t shrug off the leak in your roof or ignore even the smallest issue. Tackle your roof problems immediately, and you’ll save money in the long run.
If need help fixing a roof issue, contact Fivecoat Roofing today. We offer free no obligation roof inspections to help you spot signs of roof damage early on.
Or, if you have questions about how to care for your roof, give us a call on one of our direct lines:
- Office: (503) 502-2987
We look forward to answering your questions and learning how we can help care for your roof.
